I have found myself quite troubled by the column written by Amanda LaBonar regarding media coverage surrounding the disaster in the Gulf Coast. LaBonar seems to be tired of all the bad news that has been being aired recently and suggests that "happy" news should be more prevalent so we don't all get down when we turn on the nightly news. Boo freaking hoo.

The very essence of a democracy is an informed electorate. How can't we be outraged to see our national leaders getting their pictures taken playing guitar with country stars or shopping for $2,000 shoes on Fifth Avenue while the largest human suffering in our country since the Depression was unfolding before our very eyes?

The federal government was absolutely incompetent and careless last week. For the first time since 9/11, the media actually did its job and reported without fear, the lack of action and concern of the government. Yes, the news made me feel terible and it is a real bummer to see what's going on in the world. However, we can't shield ourselves from the harsh reality that exists outside of the safe, suburban confines that most Marquette students hail from. We need the hard truth in order to hold politicians acountable at the polls.

Media that is carefully controlled to keep people blissfully ignorant and happy is what they have in dictatorships and less democratic nations like Russia. Is that what you would prefer over some bad news now and then? It hurts to see a nation that we are all so proud to be from struggle at times, but we can't just look away every time it does. That is how dictatorships are born.

This viewpoint was published in The Marquette Tribune on September 13, 2005.